On Sky
I’ve been working all day so I have little time to write this match preview. Basically, we’re incredibly awful and this game means nothing except for pride, something I’m not sure some of the players have anyway.
On the other side, Middlesbrough are incredibly good and need three points in their quest for automatic promotion. I write this just after Brighton have thrashed Fulham, and Burnley are on Boro’s coat tails too.
Vital Quotes
‘We’ve been through tough times before. It’s upsetting to be in this situation. How we react will be key next season. Now the inevitable has happened maybe the pressure is off the players a bit. We want to end the season as positively as possible.’
Jimmy Phillips in his press conference. I normally use this sentence to make a swipe at somebody, but can’t argue with that.
“They haven`t had the best season’
Adam Forshaw, Middlesbrough midfielder and master of understatement, speaking to Boro’s offcial site about us.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Oscar Threlkeld returned from Playmouth this week, and with surely a focus on players who should be here next season now, might be in the reckoning.
Max Clayton, Wellington Silva, Dorian Dervite and Gary Madine are all unavailable as far as I know.
Player to watch: David Wheater
Now with him very unlikely to be here next season, we may cut our losses and not pick him.
However, since Periscopegate the former Boro man actually went on to have a half decent game at Derby, putting in quite a few blocks. If it wasn’t for him it could have been seven or eight. So for those two reasons, we’ll pick him
Middlesbrough Team News:
Cristian Stuani is suspended. Apart from that, I think they’re all good to go.
Player to watch: Gaston Ramirez
While we have Neil Danns and Darren Pratley, Boro’s midfield may well include a Uruguay international. Shows the gulf. He’s made quite an impact since joining on loan from Southampton, scoring six goals in 11 appearances.
Match Facts & Stats
We had a good home record against Middlesbrough in recent times, which came to an end last season when we were beaten 2-1.
Our last win came three years ago. That day, we were the ones in the promotion hunt. We won 2-1, with Marvin Sordell scoring and Jonathan Woodgate being sent off.
Boro have won their last five games. We have yet to win five games full stop.
Match Prediction:
Middlesbrough by an innings.
Next Fixtures:
Another home game on Tuesday as we play Charlton, and then head abroad to play Cardiff next Saturday.